Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Rockford’s beloved Village Green is closing—here’s what happens next
And check out The Thankful Path - A Winter Light Experience at Klehm Arboretum on the Rockford Patch calendar
Cheers Rockford! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Rockford’s beloved Village Green is closing—here’s what happens next
- What will change as Dr. Larry Huff takes over RPS 205?
- Why a former Rockford restaurateur is returning to federal court
Also on today's calendar: The Thankful Path - A Winter Light Experience at Klehm Arboretum and 7 more events.
Find out what's happening in Rockfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Rockford? Post it to Rockford photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Rockfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Freezing fog in the morning, with a high of 35 and low of 30 degrees.
- Thursday: Becoming windier; a.m. rain, temps: high: 43, low: 11. ⛄️ Brr!
- Friday: Colder with periods of sun, with a high of 25 and low of 22 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Rockford's Village Green to close Dec. 23 after 60 years of blooming success (wifr.com) — Village Green Nursery in Rockford is closing its doors on December 23 after 60 years, with a massive clearance sale already underway. The longtime family-owned garden center has been sold to Platt Hill Nursery, which plans to reopen the Riverside location for spring 2026, and some familiar staff are expected to stay on. 
2. School board unanimously selects Dr. Larry Huff to lead RPS 205 (mystateline.com) — Rockford Public Schools has chosen Dr. Larry Huff as the next superintendent of RPS 205, with his three-year term starting July 1, 2026. With two decades in education and recent leadership in Indiana, he says his top priority is caring for Rockford’s children and community while guiding teachers and staff.
3. Former 15th & Chris owner, James Purifoy, set to change plea in federal arson case (wifr.com) — A former Rockford restaurant owner is set for a change-of-plea hearing in early January in a federal arson case tied to a 2023 fire at his business. He remains held in Winnebago County on a separate felony DUI charge, with another court date scheduled two days later.
4. Community spirit shines as Rockford toy drive helps 900 families (wrex.com) — Rockford families are picking up thousands of Salvation Army-donated toys this week, with nearly 900 households and more than 2,200 kids expected to be served. Volunteers say the turnout shows the community’s generosity, giving local children a brighter, more magical Christmas despite a challenging year.
5. Larry Ubben honored as 2025 Community Champion of Ogle County (shawlocal.com) — Rockford hosted the Excalibur and Excelsior awards ceremony where Mt. Morris resident Larry Ubben was honored as Ogle County’s 2025 Community Champion. His work founding and growing the free Mt. Morris Jamboree concert series has boosted tourism, supported local nonprofits, and helped turn the town into a regional arts destination.
📸 Around Rockford
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Rockford
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Mechanical Board Meeting
Rockford, IL Calendar , 425 E. State Street 1st Floor , Rockford
7:30 am - Police Pension Fund Meeting
Rockford, IL Calendar , 425 E. State Street 2nd Floor , Rockford
8:00 am - Drop-in Softball
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
10:00 am - Golf Driving Range
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
10:00 am - RYSL Fall Indoor Session
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
5:00 pm - Raptors Soccer Training
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
5:00 pm - Civilian Oversight Board Meeting
Rockford, IL Calendar , 425 E. State Street 2nd Floor , Rockford
5:30 pm - Bloom: 1st and 5th Winter Concert
Bloom Elementary School , Brendenwood Road , Rockford
6:00 pm - The Thankful Path - A Winter Light Experience at Klehm Arboretum
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden , 2715 S Main St , Rockford
5:00 pm - The Thankful Path - A Winter Light Experience at Klehm Arboretum
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden , 2715 S Main St , Rockford
5:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
📣 Rockford Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Golf Driving Range
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
10:00 am - Raptors Soccer Training
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
5:00 pm - Drop-in Softball
Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
10:00 am - Senior Moments
Cherry Valley Public Library District , 755 E State St , Cherry Valley
10:30 am
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Rockford PatchAM possible:
- Mike’s Mowing & More Inc — (815) 721-4464
Property Maintenance, Tree Removal, & Landscaping
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
Genuis was LOST on December 15, 2025 in Rockford, IL 61102 near Near elm st Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor North West Side) - THANK YOU RESIDENTS OF ROLLING GREEN!
the 8th Ward actually grew this last census and most of the newcomers were in Rolling Green. I have made an effort to meet some of them and introduce… (Nextdoor Rolling Green)
- RPS 205 Board votes this evening to name Dr. Larry Huff as the district's new superintendent. Read more on the 205 VIBE:...... (X: RPS205)
- Laurent Brossoit will be placed on waivers today, Blashill said. If he clears, he will go back down to Rockford. (X: BenPopeCST)
- Amazon.com, Inc. posted a job opening for Transportation Operations Manager in Rockford. Apply here.
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Rockford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockford here.
Ok Rockford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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